Hockey Finder Coed Adult League

Hockey Skill Level Definitions

Adult Player Skill Level Rating Guidelines: One of our main goals at Hockey Finder is to ensure parity within our league. With thousands of players playing it certainly is a challenge however with this guideline and seasonal reviews from our captains and division managers we feel we're best set up to ensure games are close and everyone is having fun. Hockey skill rankings are essentially an average of many dynamic factors, including hockey knowledge and experience, skating ability, stick handling skills, athleticism, sportsmanship and opportunity. Each individual is unique and skill rankings call for objective and honest assessment of a variety of factors so that we're able to have parity within each division

All adult (Age 18 and over) league players shall be ranked 1-6 to ensure proper placement and to be averaged as a teaam to ensure parity and a fun hockey experience for everyone. Each player will self-rank when first registering for the league. See descriptions as well as our Skill Calculator below. Team captains and division managers (if applicable) will be responsible for verifying player rankings and reviewing them on a seasonal basis. Mis-ranked players run the risk of being removed from a division if they don't fall within the range and finding no room to play in another division if all are at capacity. No matter the skill, over-aggressive play will not be tolerated at any level and promoting and mainting our FUN-FRIENDLY-SOCIAL culture is mandatory. The league directors reserve the right to make changes as necessary and all rules are subject to adjustment.

Level 1

Players / Goalies at this level are just learning to skate and have very limited knowledge of the fundamentals of the game i.e. positioning, rules, team concepts. This level is for the true beginner who has never played the game nor have had much experience watching or following the game. The level of physicality in this game should be nil although players should understand that accidental collisions will occur because players haven't mastered controlled skating. Skating - Stick handling - Passing - Shooting skills are all in the 1 to 2 out of 10 range.

Level 1.5

Players / Goalies at this level are becoming more comfortable on their skates but still have a hard time with skating both forward and backwards. They've acquired some basic skills to get up and down the ice but still struggle with carrying the puck, making passes and taking shots. Players in this group would also include those who are not natural athletes and may take more time to develop their skills. The level of physicality in this game should be nil although players should understand that accidental collisions will occur because players haven't mastered controlled skating. Skating - Stick handling - Passing - Shooting skills are all in the 1 to 2 out of 10 range.

Level 2

Players / Goalies at this level are becoming more comfortable on their skates, but still struggle going backwards. They are probably just getting comfortable with positional play, learning to skate with head up, learning the rules, team concepts and understand offensive and defensive zones. Skating - Stick handling - Passing - Shooting skills are all in the 3 to 4 out of 10 range.

Level 2.5

Players / Goalies at this level are comfortable skating forward and can now skate backwards fairly comfortably. They are starting to understand positioning, team concepts, can skate backwards, but are still working on stick handling, passing, crossovers etc.Skating - Stick handling - Passing - Shooting skills are all in the 3 to 4 out of 10 range.

Level 3

Players / Goalies are the great wide middle of adult recreational hockey. Most Level 3 skaters have not had significant coaching or played significant youth hockey as a child, but are generally athletic, have good knowledge of the game, skating and puck handling skills and can play at a general competitive level. Some Level 3 skaters may be slowing with age and moving down from higher ranks. Simply put Level 3 players are average in most areas of the game.

Level 3.5

Players / Goalies at this level are comfortable in a fast paced game and are able to keep up with the play. They are in average physical shape. Skating - Stick handling - Passing - Shooting skills are in the 5 to 6 out of 10 range.

Level 4

Players / Goalies have substantial hockey abilities, skills, knowledge and experience. Most Level 4's have been coached and have played considerable hockey in the past.

Level 4.5

Players / Goalies at this level play at a high level in all areas of the game. They understand the rules, team concepts, are skilled a stick handling, passing, puck control etc. They are in good physical shape. Skating - Stick handling - Passing - Shooting skills are all in the 6 to 7 out of 10 range.

Level 5

Players / Goalies at this level play at a high level in all areas of the game. They understand the rules, team concepts, are skilled a stick handling, passing, puck control etc. They are in above average physical shape. Skating - Stick handling - Passing - Shooting skills are all in the 8 out of 10 range.

Level 6

Players / Goalies at this level should be playing in a professional league.

Note:

Please respect others and play in appropriate pickup games/leagues/tournaments. Many events on Hockey Finder are open to a range of skill levels which is great for lower level players to learn the game. That being said, we encourage more advance players to encourage these players and include them in the game.

Hockey Finder Levels compared to USA Adult Hockey Skill Levels - Note: This is a general rule as not all USA Adult Leagues measure the same way.